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So there's always been this clash between what is the public good - that which belongs to all of us in common - and what can be exploited for a private interest.

Good government is the outcome of private virtue.

In the long run, the public interest depends on private virtue.

I have never known much good done by those who affected to trade for the public good.

To be interested in the public good we must be disinterested, that is, not interested in goods in which our personal selves are wrapped up.

When you have a new government assume power, everyone, without exception, has to work for the benefit of the common good.

So great moreover is the regard of the law for private property, that it will not authorize the least violation of it; no, not even for the general good of the whole community.

We've got to figure out a way that we give a private sphere for our public leaders. We're not gonna get the best people in public life if we don't do that.

Legally speaking, the term 'public rights' is as vague and indefinite as are the terms 'public health,' 'public good,' 'public welfare,' and the like. It has no legal meaning, except when used to describe the separate, private, individual rights of a greater or less number of individuals.

I believe if a private citizen is able to affect public opinion in a constructive way he doesn't have to be an elected public servant to perform a public service.